Experience the best of South! From Lake Ohau to Queenstown to Christchurch - it's an adventure you won't want to end. Start off on a scenic flight over Mt. Cook then head to Dunedin! Later, get ready to hit Queenstown, the adventure Capital of the World. Try bungy, 4WD’ing or if it’s winter, you can opt to take a day trip to stunning Milford Sound. In Franz Josef you'll hike a glacier before your tour ends in Christchurch.

Top Offers & Trip Notes

Itinerary + Inclusions & ME Time Optionals

ME Time Optionals

ME Time optionals will take your trip to a whole new level with unforgettable experiences unique to the places you
visit. See more, do more, live more & go home completely regret-free. Costs for these aren’t included in your
tour cost & are payable to your Trip Manager in local currency.

Inclusions

On our trips we don't just take you to the destinations, we make sure you get under the skin of every place you visit. From amazing food & accommodation, to exclusive access to incredible experiences, with Contiki you'll get unbeatable value & a completely unique travel experience.

1
Arrive Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch & check into the Ibis Hotel Christchurch from 2pm. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore then meet your fellow travelers & Tour Manager this evening.

Hotel

2
Christchurch to Lake Ohau

Kia Ora! Meet up with your Contiki Crew in Christchurch and hit the road traveling through Mackenzie Country.

We’ll stop off to see the intense milky blue waters of glacially-fed Lake Tekapo. Kick start your tour with a spectacular optional glacier flight over Mt. Cook, Australasia’s highest peak. With views over towering Mt. Cook and a lakeside position, our overnight stay at Lake Ohau in a traditional ski lodge is all about its fantastic location.

Tonight, get to know the other Contiki travellers, your Tour Manager and Driver over dinner. Then relax in the hot outdoor jacuzzi, or play darts at the lodge bar.

Lodge
Breakfast,Dinner

Pick up a treat at NZ's famous Cookie Time factory

See the historic Church of the Good Shephard

See Mt. Cook across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau

Stop at Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo & Geraldine

Air Safaris

NZ$310

3
Lake Ohau to Dunedin

This morning it’s time to leave this stunning area as we head towards the student city, Dunedin!

We’ll hit the road & make a stop at Benmore Dam for a look at this impressive structure & maybe spot some gliders – it’s one of the world’s premier spots for this pretty cool sport. We’ll also stop in at historic Oamaru, with it’s cute old buildings, many of which are made out of it’s own stunning white Oamaru stone. Take a peek at Moeraki, our next short stop, for a look at these massive boulders located right on the beach. It’s hard to believe these impressive formations really are natural & they make for some pretty cool pics to show off to your mates.

On arrival in Dunedin you’ll see why it really is the city that looks old, but definitely thinks young! Before we arrive into the city centre we’ll head to the base of Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street, for a look at the sheer angle! Then it’s time to hit up Dunedin. Originally a Scottish settlement, you’ll see references to the city’s past dotted throughout the city. This afternoon arrival we’ll visit the iconic Speight’s Brewery for a look at how this iconic Kiwi brew is made. As you tour the brewery with our guide, learn about the brewing process of this much loved Southern Ale. You’ll finish up with a few tasters so you’ll discover for yourself why the locals love it so much!

There’s loads of places to head out in Dunedin, from cool clubs & bars in the Octagon to the student pub vibes around George Street. So later, why not take it up a level & head to some of the local night spots for a taste of how partying is really done! Ask your Tour Manager for some tips on where’s hot to head, or make your way to one of the local favourites around the Octagon – there’s a huge variety of places to head for a fun night out.

Hotel
Breakfast

Stop at Oamaru & Benmore Dam

Visit the impressive Moeraki Boulders

See Baldwin Street, the world's steepest street

Tour & tasting at the iconic Speight's Brewery

Speight's Ale House Dinner

NZ $31

Death Rattle Ghost Walk

NZ $27

4
Dunedin to Queenstown

This morning, we make our way towards New Zealand’s adventure hub, Queenstown! This place is awesome. With so many amazing activities to choose from, plus fantastic nightlife, cool people & stunning surroundings, you’re in for a few incredible days here. First though, we make a stop at the original home of bungy jumping. You can even have a go yourself if you're brave enough! This is one high-energy destination that has something for everyone. From jet boat rides to fantastic local food, gorgeous countryside and the world’s most southern wineries, the list really is endless.

Hotel
Breakfast

Stop in Alexandra in Central Otago

Stop at AJ Hackett's Kawarau Bridge

AJ Hackett Bungy - Kawarau Bridge

NZ$195

5
Queenstown

This morning, you’ll take a ride on ‘The world’s most exciting jetboat’ the iconic Shotover Jet! Hold on tight - speeding down the Shotover River on a jetboat amongst the fierce canyon walls (so close you could probably touch them) is a thrilling experience & getting a pic to take home of the group in action is a must. Next up, legendary Queenstown! This traveller favourite is world renowned as the home of action & adrenalin & needs no introduction – your time here is guaranteed to be epic, no matter what you choose to do.

The nightlife here is equally as awesome as its adrenalin fixes & with VIP entry to one of the town’s hottest nightspots you're sure the start the night out right.

Hotel
Breakfast

Set your pulse racing with a hair-raising ride on the Shotover Jet

VIP entry to one of Queenstown's hottest nightspots

Group Photograph

NZ$18

6-7
Queenstown

With two more days here, you’ve got time to try out adrenaline-pumping activities, to take it easy with a glass of local wine or beer and of course, to party – something Queenstown is known for.

There’s also the option to take advantage of our explore more highlight optional – your chance to experience the stunning Milford Sound.

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s gems. This slice of paradise has been voted one of the world’s top destinations & is known around the world for its gorgeous waters & stunning scenery. Set in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site so get ready for the epic scenery – high mountains rise straight out of the sea and waterfalls pour down sheer cliffs into the deep, dark waters of the fiord.

You’ll get the ultimate angle on this natural wonder from the water when we cruise – you’ll learn about this jaw-droppingly beautiful region from the on-board nature specialist. You’ll get a really good look around the area and up close to its more hidden spots.

You can chill out and enjoy the scenery on deck & hopefully you’ll get a chance to spot seals, dolphins, whales and penguins.

Choose to take a coach over, then jump on a boat & cruise this stunning spot then head back to Queenstown on the coach. Or, if you’re feeling up for it, there’s the option to fly back to Queenstown too.

Walk around the quaint town, hit the shops or head down to the lake for beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges, fittingly called The Remarkables. Board the old steam boat, the TSS Earnslaw, for a lake cruise and see it all from the water.

For adrenaline junkies, there’s bungy jumpy, sky diving, jet boating, canyon swinging and quad biking. In fact there are so many adventure activities in Queenstown that you couldn’t do them all in the 2 days if you tried. For those who like to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground, take an easy-going hike or push yourself with a tougher trail.

Pumping at night, Queenstown is the place to hit some of New Zealand’s best bars and clubs. With cool cocktail bars, old-style pubs and plenty of clubs, there is so much to choose from.

HotelHotel
Breakfast,Breakfast,Dinner

NZone Skydiving

9,000 ft. NZ$299/ 12,000 ft. NZ$339/ 15,000 ft. NZ$439

Milford Sound

NZ$159

AJ Hackett Bungy - Thrillogy

NZ$399

AJ Hackett Bungy - Nevis

NZ$275

AJ Hackett Bungy - The Ledge

NZ$195

AJ Hackett Skyswing - Nevis Arc

NZ$195

AJ Hackett Skyswing - The Ledge

NZ$160

Kawarau or Shotover Rafting

NZ$199

Heliraft

NZ$289

Walter Peak Horse Riding

NZ$115

Dart River Wilderness Safari

NZ$209

Paradise Safari Scenic Adventure

NZ$139

Routeburn Trail Hike

NZ$259

Skippers Gold 4WD & Jetboat

$179

Minus 5 Ice Bar

NZ $25

Funyaks

NZ$309

Skyline Restaurant

NZ$79

Nomad Safaris: Safari of the Scenes

NZ$175

Canyon Swing

NZ$199

Ziptrek Ecotours

From NZ$135

Queenstown Wine Trail

NZ$139

8
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

Relax on the coach, chat with friends and take in the stunning scenery as we head to the rugged West Coast. Leaving the golden grasslands, cliffs and hills of the Otago region behind us, we travel through Haast Pass. See the ancient rainforests and small glaciers that give this area its unique atmosphere - we also make stop at the majestic Thunder Creek Falls. Then cruise past remote beaches and the coastal dunes of the West Coast before arriving in the Westland National Park, where lush bush land and glaciers almost reach the sea.

We overnight in Franz Josef, a cute alpine township.

Lodge
Breakfast,Dinner

Explore tiny Arrowtown

Get cerebral with a visit to Wanaka's Puzzling World!

Drive through Haast Pass & see Thunder Creek Falls

Chill out at our legendary theme party

9
Franz Josef Glacier

This morning, get physical and pull on your crampons, grab an ice-pick and head out onto the ice of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. On this optional activity, you’ll learn about how these glaciers came about with our professional Local Guides.

Otherwise, you can get a bird’s eye view over these icy formations and sweeping vistas in an optional helicopter ride.

Lodge
Breakfast

Helihike

NZ$409

Valley Walk

NZ$75

Franz Josef Glacier Heli

NZ$195

Franz Josef / Fox Glacier Heli

NZ$280

Mt. Cook / Franz / Fox Heli - Grand Tour

NZ$390

Mt. Cook (western face) / Fox and Franz Heli

NZ$340

Ice Explorer

NZ$305

Across Country Quad Bikes

Riders NZ$159 / Passengers NZ$69

Glacier Country Kayaks

NZ$115

10
Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch

Sticking to the untamed coastline, we stop in at the former gold rush town of Hokitika on the West Coast. It’s great for a look into a traditional Maori art. Watch authentic carvers work with New Zealand greenstone (jade) and learn about the importance of this stone. You could even pick up a piece to take home.

We travel east through stunning Arthur’s Pass, following an old trade route. The dense native forest, alpine atmosphere and crystal clear rivers give the area its pioneer feel.

Hotel
Breakfast

See a demonstration of traditional Maori greenstone carving

Scenic drive across the Southern Alps

Stop at Arthurs Pass

11
Finish Christchurch

Say a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning after breakfast.